In the tumultuous world of boxing, Richardson Hitchins offers a unique perspective on a hotly-debated potential match-up. How would Terence Crawford fair against Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis? Hitchins, drawing on his profound understanding of the sport, provides insight many fans are yearning for.
Crawford, revered for his ring intelligence, might hold the upper hand if he faced Boots, according to Hitchins. The unpredictability of boxing, however, makes any sure predictions impossible. Remember Crawford’s skirmish with David Avanesyan? Such vulnerabilities, if exposed by Boots, could spell trouble for Terence.
The larger question looms: is Crawford ducking the fight? The welterweight champion’s reluctance to face his IBF mandatory, Ennis, feels eerily similar to a basketball team bowing out before facing a formidable opponent. If Crawford is to maintain his integrity and honour the sport, it’s only right he faces his mandatory challenges or vacates the title.
Though Hitchins leans towards a Crawford victory, given Terence’s age (36) versus Boots’ youthful exuberance (26), the world may never witness this bout. Talk of Crawford ascending weight classes to challenge the likes of Canelo Alvarez or Jermell Charlo only complicates matters.
Hitchins recounts his personal experience with Boots, “We fought. We sparred in the Olympic training centre,” he revealed to MillCity Boxing. Hitchins speaks highly of Boots’ skills but feels that Crawford’s decision-making in the ring might give him the edge.
However, Boots isn’t to be underestimated. Despite some fans pointing out his difficulty in landing shots against Karen Chukhadzhian, Hitchins counters by praising Karen’s evasive manoeuvres. Yet, against an ultra-skilled opponent, would Boots be the same indomitable force?
In assessing Boots’ prowess, Hitchins noted three opponents who made Boots rethink his strategy: “Me, Gary [Antuanne Russell], and Shakur [Stevenson]. Those were the matches where Boots had to dig deep, strategise, and show a different level of mettle.”
In a sport marked by grit, intelligence, and finesse, the Crawford-Boots face-off remains a tantalising ‘what if’. Hitchins concludes by lauding Boots, “If you’re not on his level, he’s going to dominate. He’s a formidable talent.”
In essence, the boxing community remains on the edge of their seats, eager for the titans to clash. Whether they’ll get their wish, only time will tell.
